Pune is set to witness a major advancement in dental healthcare and education with the upcoming establishment of a super-speciality dental clinic and education centre at the Aundh District Hospital campus. The ambitious project, which combines clinical excellence, research, and educational initiatives, will be named the “Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Education, Research and Incubation Centre and Super-speciality Dental Clinic”, and is expected to set a benchmark for dental care in the region.

The project is being developed as a joint initiative between the Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) and the Indian Dental Association (IDA), signaling a collaborative effort between government authorities and a leading professional body in dentistry. Officials have confirmed that the facility will occupy 15,000 sq ft of built-up space within the hospital premises, including areas such as the currently inactive trauma centre. The estimated cost of the project is ₹70 crore, covering infrastructure, advanced equipment, operational facilities, and educational components.

The project will be formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Pune Zilla Parishad and the IDA, in the presence of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Once signed, officials have indicated that the construction and setup work will begin immediately, as the IDA has expressed readiness to commence the facility’s development without delay.

Infrastructure and Facilities

According to Gajanan Patil, CEO of Pune Zilla Parishad, the land and existing structures for the project will be provided by the Zilla Parishad and the district civil surgeon. The IDA will take responsibility for equipping the centre with advanced machinery, operating theatres, and staff, as well as handling ongoing maintenance. Minor repairs and initial setup work will be jointly overseen by the civil surgeon’s office to ensure a smooth launch.

The Pune district civil surgeon, Dr Nagnath Yempalle, highlighted that the new centre is designed not only to provide advanced dental care to the public but also to serve as a hub for education, research, and innovation. “We have already allocated 15,000 sq ft of built-up space within the hospital premises for this purpose. The new centre aims to provide advanced dental care to the public while also fostering research, training, and innovation in dentistry,” Dr Yempalle said.

The proposed facility will include several specialized units to cater to a wide spectrum of dental care needs. These include:

• Community Dental Clinic: Equipped with 24 dental chairs, the clinic will offer comprehensive and affordable dental treatment to the general public. The unit is designed to cater to both routine dental care and complex procedures, ensuring accessibility for residents across Pune.
• Pediatric Dental Unit: Recognizing the importance of early oral healthcare, the facility will house a dedicated pediatric dental unit. This section will focus exclusively on children’s oral health, including preventive care, treatment of dental issues in young patients, and specialized interventions tailored to pediatric needs.
• Digital Dentistry and Imaging Centre: Leveraging cutting-edge technology, the centre will feature state-of-the-art equipment such as CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing, and CBCT scanning. These tools will enable precise diagnostics, accurate treatment planning, and advanced restorative procedures. The integration of digital dentistry ensures that the clinic remains at the forefront of contemporary dental practices.

Education, Research, and Innovation

In addition to clinical services, the new centre will serve as an educational hub for dental students and professionals. It is expected to host training programs, workshops, and continuing education modules, allowing practitioners to stay updated with the latest advancements in dental science. The facility will also foster research initiatives, encouraging innovation in dental techniques, materials, and patient care practices.

By combining clinical services with research and training, the centre aims to create a comprehensive ecosystem for dentistry, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. Students and trainees will gain exposure to advanced procedures, digital dentistry tools, and patient management techniques, preparing them for careers in modern dental practice.

Significance for the Public

Officials emphasized that one of the key objectives of the project is affordable, high-quality dental care for the public. With a large community dental clinic at its core, residents of Pune and surrounding areas will have access to specialized dental services that were previously limited to private facilities. This includes complex procedures such as implants, orthodontics, endodontics, and cosmetic dentistry, all available under one roof.

The pediatric unit will particularly benefit families seeking specialized care for their children, while the digital dentistry facilities will allow for faster, more accurate treatments. By integrating research, education, and clinical care, the centre aims to elevate overall dental healthcare standards in the district, providing a model that could be replicated in other regions of Maharashtra.

Government and Professional Collaboration

The partnership between the Pune Zilla Parishad and the IDA represents a strategic collaboration between the government and a leading professional body. While the Zilla Parishad provides infrastructure and oversight, the IDA brings technical expertise, equipment, staffing, and operational know-how. Such partnerships are increasingly viewed as effective models for establishing advanced healthcare facilities that balance public accessibility with professional excellence.

Gajanan Patil highlighted the efficiency of this collaborative model: “The IDA is ready and keen to start work immediately. With the land and structure provided by the Zilla Parishad, and the machinery, staff, and maintenance managed by the IDA, this facility will set new benchmarks in dental care, research, and education in Pune.”

Looking Ahead

The launch of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Super-speciality Dental Clinic and Education Centre is expected to have a transformative impact on dental healthcare in Pune. By offering advanced services, training the next generation of dental professionals, and fostering research, the centre will serve multiple purposes: improving public access to specialized dental care, advancing professional knowledge, and promoting innovation in oral health.

Once operational, the facility will also serve as a model for similar initiatives across the state, demonstrating how government and professional organizations can work together to establish high-quality healthcare infrastructure. The project reflects a commitment to both public welfare and professional development, aligning with broader efforts to enhance health services, education, and innovation in Maharashtra.

The upcoming super-speciality clinic is also expected to attract dental professionals from across the country, enabling knowledge exchange and collaboration on complex cases. Patients, students, and researchers alike will benefit from access to cutting-edge technology and a structured learning environment, making the centre a landmark institution in Pune.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Education, Research and Incubation Centre and Super-speciality Dental Clinic at Aundh District Hospital represents a major milestone in Maharashtra’s healthcare landscape. With a combination of advanced clinical facilities, specialized pediatric care, digital dentistry, and research and training opportunities, the project is poised to raise the standard of dental care while providing an accessible, affordable, and innovative healthcare solution for the people of Pune. With active support from the Pune Zilla Parishad, the Indian Dental Association, and government authorities, the new centre is expected to become a hub for excellence in dental science, reflecting a forward-looking vision for healthcare in the region.

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